Chapter 1 - The Golden Cage
Evelyn stared out the tinted window of the black SUV as it sped away from the Shannon airport.
The rain in Ireland was relentless, completely blurring the headlights of the cars behind them.
Marco Bellini sat across from her, his face illuminated only by the pale glow of his smartphone.
He had promised to take her to a secure crew hotel, but they were driving far beyond the city limits.
The vehicle turned onto a narrow, winding road surrounded by dense, ancient forests.
Evelyn gripped the handle of her flight bag, her knuckles turning white.
She had spent six years dealing with unruly passengers, but she had never felt this kind of quiet, suffocating danger.
"This is not the way to the city center," Evelyn stated, trying to keep her voice steady.
Marco did not look up from his screen.
"Plans have changed for your own protection," he replied in a flat, mechanical tone.
The SUV passed through massive wrought-iron gates that opened automatically into a sprawling, stone estate.
Armed men in dark raincoats were patrolling the perimeter with large, intimidating guard dogs.
Evelyn realized she was not being taken to a hotel at all.
She was being taken to a fortress.
The driver parked in front of the grand entrance, and Marco gestured for her to step out.
He escorted her up a grand staircase and into a luxurious guest room that smelled faintly of expensive cigar smoke.
Marco told her to lock the door and not to open it for anyone but him.
He left before she could ask a single question, the heavy lock clicking shut behind him.
Evelyn dropped her bag and immediately began inspecting the room.
She noticed a small, blinking red light hidden inside the smoke detector above the bed.
Someone was watching her every move.
Suddenly, the brass handle of her bedroom door began to turn very slowly.
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Evelyn backed away toward the window, her heart hammering against her ribs.
The door swung open, and the Boston pediatrician from the flight stepped inside, holding a silenced pistol.
